Teams in transition: An integrative review and synthesis of research on team task transitions and propositions for future research

Scholars have long sought to understand the factors that influence team functioning and effectiveness. However, we know relatively little about the performance ramifications of transitions between tasks, especially when the transitions are punctuated and brief and the tasks are highly varied. To address this gap in our understanding, we review and integrate several streams of research in the literature on small groups and teams that have implications to team task transitions. From our synthesis, we offer a broad framework and propositions regarding the nature and effects of team task transitions. We conclude with a brief discussion of implications to research and practice.